Can dogs cry? Do dogs get sad, or is it a health warning sign?

All dog owners know that their dogs feel emotions. There’s joy when you open a bag of its favorite treats; fear when the vacuum cleaner turns on; maybe even some aggression when another dog comes sniffing around. But do dogs cry in response?

Well, yes and no.

Let’s break down the basics of what it means if a dog is crying.

It’s essential to recognize what constitutes a regular emotional expression from your pooch versus what behaviors or details might be a cause for concern.

Dog tears

Dogs are mammals, and a dog’s eyes have tear ducts. This evolutionary feature helps keep mammalian eyes clean and lubricated.

However, for the most part, only humans seem to produce tears in response to a strong emotion.

So, while your pup experiences tears, this isn’t typically an emotional response but a biological one.

You may want to consult with your vet if your dog has excessive tear production. That could indicate an eye infection or a problem with your dog’s tear ducts.

There are several possible causes of the extra lubrication: allergies, a tear duct blockage, a foreign object in the eye, a scratched cornea, or an infection.

Because of how canine eyes are structured, their tear ducts funnel liquid to the nose and throat, so too much liquid secreted externally from the eye may indicate a more severe problem.

But wait!

A recent study suggests there is evidence that dogs can express emotion through tears.

Researchers measured the volume of tears produced by a dog’s eyes when reunited with its owner; the results showed that tear volume increased in this scenario.

There’s also evidence to suggest that dog tears may be linked to oxytocin, the same chemical humans release when we cry.

Side note: as heart-melting as this study’s conclusion is, you should still check with your vet if your pup’s eyes are especially leaky.

Dog vocalizations

When humans cry, we emote with more than just our eyes.

Dogs often express sadness or “cry” with vocalizations, such as whining, whimping, or barking. Puppies learn these vocal cues early on to get attention from their mom (whether canine or human).

It’s also no surprise if you’ve recently started crate training and your puppy cries in the crate.

Dogs continue to use these vocal cues to express needs (such as food or a bathroom break) or emotions (such as fear, dominance, or anxiety).

Dogs often whimper or whine at night, which frustrates sleepy owners. When the family is asleep, your pooch might feel lonely or bored.

By vocalizing these emotions or crying, your dog hopes to wake you up to play or cuddle. In this scenario, the best way to curb this behavior is to ignore it.

Remember, dogs often cry for attention. To stop your dog’s disruptive crying, ensure it feels safe and cozy, and avoid overreacting (as hard as this may be).

If your dog is making sounds of distress and you don’t know the cause, you need to investigate.

Dogs may use vocal cues if they are in pain or discomfort; if you’re unsure of the cause and none of your regular interventions seem to work, a call to the vet may be in order.

Body language

In addition to vocal crying, dogs often use their bodies to express how they’re feeling. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with your dog’s body language.

A dog might shake, hide, or even ignore you when it feels sad. We all know that each pooch is unique, and you’ll soon learn how your pet expresses feelings.

The science of canine emotions